U.S. Bipartisan Delegation Honored in Ukraine Amid Russian Attacks
News related to:With Honor Action · 2 min read
On September 14, 2026, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers and veterans received the Ukrainian Badge of Honour in Kyiv, recognizing their commitment to supporting Ukraine's freedom. The delegation, comprising three Republican senators and five House representatives, was honored by Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, during the Yalta European Strategy (YES) Annual Meeting. The award ceremony took place amid increased Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, highlighting the ongoing conflict.
The recipients of the award included: - Sen. Alan Armstrong of Oklahoma - Sen. John Curtis of Utah - Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina - Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska's 2nd District, a founding co-chair of the For Country Caucus - Rep. Salud Carbajal of California's 24th District, a former vice chair of the For Country Caucus - Rep. Wesley Bell of Missouri's 1st District, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus - Rep. Jim Costa of California's 21st District, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus - Rep. Eugene Vindman of Virginia's 7th District, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus
The delegation also received the award from With Honor, a veterans organization co-founded by Rye Barcott, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and author of "Courage Can Save US." Barcott highlighted the importance of standing with Ukraine and called for the House to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which had passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 86-11 on August 7, 2026.
During their visit, the delegation received briefings from senior Ukrainian officials, including the National Security Advisor and Deputy Minister of Defense. They witnessed the impact of Russian attacks on Kyiv, passing by recently struck gasoline stations and grocery stores. The group also traveled to Kharkiv, where they met with frontline units and medics, witnessing the destruction caused by Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
As the delegation departed Ukraine, a Russian drone struck a train two kilometers from the Polish border, shortly after a train carrying officials had passed through the same crossing. Ukraine's state rail operator stated that the diplomatic train may have been the intended target, but no casualties were reported.
The For Country Caucus, which Rep. Bacon co-founded, and With Honor Action, a group supporting the caucus, strongly endorsed the sanctions bill. Rep.
The delegation's visit came at a critical time, as Ukraine faces a challenging winter and continued Russian aggression. With Honor Action called on the U.S. Administration to urgently obligate and disburse the $400 million Congress had appropriated for fiscal year 2026, which would be used to purchase weapons, equipment, and services from American manufacturers for Ukraine's armed forces.
In conclusion, the bipartisan delegation's visit to Ukraine underscored the ongoing support from the U.S. for Ukraine's freedom and the urgent need for the House to pass the sanctions bill to pressure Russia and Iran.